Fish Tanks online

Why You Shouldn't Over Use Your Fish Food

2008-06-09T21:16:00.000-07:00

One of the worst things that you can do when caring for fish in an aquarium is to overfeed them. There are a couple of different reasons why over feeding the fish in your aquarium is a bad thing, but we are going to look at two of the most prevalent ones.

First of all, fish tend to eat whatever they can find, hungry or not. This is especially true for goldfish, which tend to simply eat whatever has been made available, even if they are eating far too much in the process. Because of this, many fish can develop health issues as a result of overfeeding and over eating. If you want to keep your fish healthy for a long time, it is vital that you put serious consideration into how much you are feeding. Do a little bit of research on the fish in your aquarium or tank. How much food are they supposed to eat? Betta fish and goldfish are notorious for over eating. Other fish will also overeat if given the chance. We are not advocating under feeding here, but rather learning how much is just enough and feeding consistently at all times.

The second reason why over feeding your fish is one of the worst things that you can do for the health of your aquarium should be common sense. The more your fish eat the more waste they will produce in turn. This excess in waste is going to make the tank dirtier. Any excess food that is not eaten and processed by the fish is also going to create additional waste within the aquarium, and all of this is completely unnecessary. Not only does waste have a negative effect on the chemical composition of your aquarium, but it can also jam up your filtration system, which will only allow your aquarium to become less and less healthy for your fish companions. Your fish rely on your filtration system to keep their water in liveable conditions. When the chemical composition of the aquarium is compromised, fish can become sick or die.

So now it is important that you understand how to choose the right amount of food for your fish. You should only be feeding your fish whatever they can eat up in about 3 minutes. If you have bottom feeding fish, or timid fish, you should see how much they can eat up in about 15 minutes, and only feed that amount every single day. Your fish may respond to feeding as if they are starving, but this does not necessarily mean that they are underfed. Fish will beg for food much in the same way that your dog or cat will beg for table scraps, so you should not let it deter you from following set guidelines regarding their feeding. Fish do not have large stomachs and do not need that much food. As long as they are eating their food up in 3 minutes or 15 minutes depending on your fish, you are probably on the right track with their feeding schedule.

: article by Derek Rogers

Purchasing Healthy Fish

2008-04-15T20:00:00.000-07:00

Purchasing fish for your saltwater aquarium can be a lot of fun, but how do you know if the fish you're buying are healthy? It's impossible to know for certain if a fish is healthy, even if you're a trained aquarist, because ailments don't always show symptoms right away. Also, you can't tell just by looking at it if a fish has a genetic weakness, or is the type to thrive in captivity.

Fortunately, there are a few things you can look out for before making a purchase :

Fins shouldn't be drooping, especially the dorsal fin. A collapsed fin is a bad sign for most fish, although for some species this tip doesn't apply. Puffers normally curl their tail against their body, while butterfly fish have erect dorsal fins only when they are afraid.

In addition, fins need to be intact. Look for nipped, torn, or ripped fins. A few nips may not pose a problem if the fish appears to be behaving properly, but it's a sign to watch out for.

Watch the fish as they swim and mingle with the other specimens in the fish tank. For example, smaller fish should move out of the way when a dominant fish swims by, as this indicates the fish is feeling normal. A sick fish may allow a dominant fish to intimidate it because it's too ill to move out of the way.

Examine the fish's respiration, comparing the movement of the gills to the other fish. It's normal for some fish to breathe faster than others, but generally fish tend to move their gills at the same rate as those around them in a fish tank. Quick gill movement is a bad indication because it means the fish is probably stressed.

Other indicators of stress include dark patches and discoloration. If you purchase a book on fish before shopping, it will be easier to determine what coloration is normal for a particular fish, and what's out of the ordinary.

As the fish swim back and forth, search for bumps and raised growths, small white crystals on the fins, or black dots. Fish with these characteristics have parasite infestations. Growths on the fins that resemble cauliflower are an indication of a viral infection and stress. In general, if you notice several fish in one store with signs of stress and disease, don't buy any fish from that location.

And remember, fish that bully in the fish store will most likely do the same thing at home, so avoid purchasing fish that demonstrate aggressive behavior.

For saltwater aquariums in particular, avoid buying Undulated or Queen Triggers, Sohal Tangs, or Passer Angels. Avoid saltwater fish that grow bigger than six to eight inches, unless you're looking to add a slow-moving fish to your aquarium.

Take your time when analyzing the fish so you have time to look beyond the beautiful colors. It's easy to miss common indicators of problems when you have been mesmerized by a gorgeous fish swimming your way. Take a good look at the fish's skin and fins, and watch its movements over a period of time.

: article by Devin Gilliland

3 Secrets for Happy Goldfish

2008-03-14T04:07:00.000-07:00

Did you know that many goldfish are born black and not gold? Goldfish are easily the most popular fish pets, and they do not require special diet as tropical fish, and are easy to care for. BUT, many goldfish die regularly at the hands of ignorant owners, who don't spend time learning about how to keep their pet happy. Here are 3 secrets to make your gold fish live long:

1. Food:
This is where most people make mistakes. Goldfish are very messy as they have no stomachs, so they produce massive amounts of ammonia, which is excreted in the water through the gills. Overfeeding directly increases the water pollution/toxicity. You can buy Goldfish food at any pet shop and it's cheap. But the correct feeding is critical otherwise you can easily kill them by over feeding. They can go up to 3 weeks without food, so it's enough to feed them about 5 small pellets every alternate day. Also, don't feed bread as it expands on contact with water.

2. Water:
Goldfish need lots of room and heavy filtration. So don't think about a tiny 5 gallon fish tank like they show in the advertisements - it's the best way to kill your pet. Keep the fish tank free of aggressive fishes. For best results, have a fish tank that will hold at least 50 gallons of water per fish.

3. Temperature:
Unlike tropical fish, Goldfish are cold water fish, and are capable of surviving in temperatures between 10 to 25 degrees Celsius. They are vulnerable to sudden changes in temperature, and could die from the shock of being immersed in significantly colder or warmer water than their bodies have gotten used to. Higher temperatures result in rapid growth, so you have to match the temperature with the food and water in the tank.
These are just the most common mistakes. You should learn more if you serious about goldfish as pets. With good care, they can live up to 15 years.

: article by Ryan Spark

What Causes Cloudy Water In Fish Tanks?

2008-02-08T19:28:00.000-08:00

Are you having trouble finding your fish in the fish tanks due to cloudy water? There can be several different reasons for cloudy water in a fish tank, so let's take a look at the most common ones. These are debris from new substrate, bacterial bloom, chemical imbalance, or even floating algae.

Most new rocks and decorations will cause cloudy water. If this is the case then your debris should settle and go away on it's own in a couple of days. Before adding the next decorations or rocks it best to soak them in separate water to get all the loose dirt off before adding them to your fish tanks.

Another problem that can come from new fish tanks is a bacterial bloom. This can cause the water to have a haze and look rather gray. This can come from overfeeding the fish or dying plants.

A sure sign of a bacteria bloom is when your water is milky and has a very bad odor. Not all bacteria are bad but some bacteria blooms can be deadly to your fish. When the nutrient levels get extremely high the bacteria go ballistic and multiply rapidly.

Be sure to remove all dead or dying plants if you have a bacteria problem. If you are changing fifteen percent of your water and using a siphon to clean debris, this type of haze will not cause the fish harm. But it is essential that you get in under control quickly.

Another thing to look at is whether or not your fish are being overfed. This can also cause the water to get cloudy. Just check the bottom of the fish tanks for leftover food - that would be a sure sign of overfeeding.

Fixing fish tanks problems like cloudy water from algae can be a pain because it will be thick and green. One of the best ways to cut down on the amount of algae in a fish tank is by adding algae eating fish. Keeping your lights on for long periods will encourage algae growth as well as sunlight shining on the fish tanks so make sure to watch the amount of lighting your fish tanks gets to help prevent algae growth.

If none of the above helps you with fixing your cloudy water problems, you should follow with a test kit. The test kit will be used to check the ammonia and nitrate levels of your fish tanks water. Once you have checked the levels, the reading for a normal level for both the nitrate and ammonia is zero. If you have something other than zero then your water quality is bad.

What causes cloudy water in fish tanks with open or semi-open style fish tanks? Many times these style of fish tanks could possibly have a stopped up filter causing debris to cloud up your water.

If you are still not sure what is causing the cloudy water in your fish tanks, don't panic. As long as your water doesn't seem extremely bad and your fish are acting fine, give it a little time. Sometimes if bacteria is the cause the bacteria will kill itself.

This is definitely not advice for all cases. If you are concerned about your fish you should probably remove them until you get your problem under control. It is extremely helpful to have a quarantine fish tank just for occasions such as these. Regular maintenance will also help you enjoy your fish tanks without concern.

: article by Cris Stanford

Maintaining the Right Temperature for a Salt Water Fish Tank

2008-01-16T21:37:00.000-08:00

Keeping the right temperature for a salt water fish tank or any tank takes some practice. All fish tanks require a water heater to keep the right temperature for the fish. Water heaters have a thermostat attached so you can keep an eye on the temperature changes. There are even different styles depending on what you prefer. Some heaters are designed to hang from the back of the fish tank, so they're out of the way.

Placement is Important

The temperature for a salt water fish tank can change with the atmosphere of the room where it's located. Placement of your fish tanks in the room can play a major role in maintaining proper temperature for a salt water fish tank. It's important not to put your fish tanks under heating or cooling vents and keep it out of the sunlight.

The larger the fish tanks, the bigger the heat pump will have to be in order to heat the water adequately. Just as other electric appliances, the strength is measured in watts. Your heat pump should produce fifty watts of heat for every ten gallons of water. Going by these measurements is the safest way to keep the right temperature for a salt water fish tank.

Learning how to start a salt water fish tank and putting the equipment together is time consuming. But, you want to make sure to test all your equipment to be sure it all works properly before you get fish in your fish tanks.

Temperature for a salt water fish tank can be harder to manage in a home without central air. If your home does not have central air you have to pay attention and set your heater to the right temperature especially in warm seasons. If you don't, your fish may not survive large temperature drops from day to night.

Temperature for a Salt Water Fish Tank and Water Changes

It is very important to pay attention to your thermostat especially during water changes. The pH should be around 0.02 and the temperature between one and two degrees of the current water.

When changing the water you need to get the temperature of the new water as close as you can to the old if it was the right temperature. If you can't seem to get the water exactly the same temperature, it's best to have it a little warmer than too cool. Cool water could shock your fish and that isn't good for them at all.

: article by Cris Stanford

Quick Tips for Fish Tank Cleaning

2008-01-14T18:21:00.000-08:00

: Cleaning Your Fish Tanks

One of the nicest additions to any home is a fish tank. A fish tank creates a colourful, relaxing ambience and they come in a huge range of sizes to suit virtually any setting. However, fish tanks do require work, and without proper care, algae build ups and murky water can change your fish tanks aesthetically and cause unpleasant odours. Cleaning your fish tanks not only helps with the appearance of the fish tanks but can also prolong the life of your fish, as no person or pet can live in an unhealthy environment.

There are a few basic precautions that should be followed to keep your fish tanks clean and to dramatically reduce algae build ups. The goal is to avoid algae build up in the first place, as this is easier than removing algae later. The first step is to get yourself a good carbon based filter, and be sure to change the cartridges often, this will keep the water nice and clean so your precious Nemo will be happier and healthier. You should also purchase a living filter for your fish tanks, a Plecostomus or algae eater constantly eats algae off rocks and the glass. While the Plecostomus are not always the prettiest fish, their benefits far outweigh their looks. The last precaution you can take is to NOT place your fish tanks in direct sunlight, algae thrives on sunlight and will grow rapidly given the chance.

: Plecostomus

Every couple of months you should replace the water in your fish tanks to ensure cleanliness. After the water is removed you have to remove all of the rocks, artificial plants and decorations (such as the old fashioned divers), and give them a thorough clean. Use diluted bleach to clean these objects as all traces can be removed. Avoid using soap, as traces of the soap can be left on the objects and may harm your fish. To clean the glass in the fish tanks only use proper fish tanks glass cleaner which you can purchase from any pet store, as conventional glass cleaner contains substances lethal to fish. Even when you have to clean surfaces outside of the fish tanks such as the hood, you should still avoid the use of any harsh chemical cleaner, as traces can leach there way back into the water.

That is all you need for a clean and healthy home for your fish. If ongoing problems occur, make sure you consult your local pet store.

: article by Mark Haakonsen

Planning To Install A 150 Fish Gallon Tank - Here Is A Bit Of Advice

2008-01-12T18:35:00.000-08:00

If you have decided that you want to turn your small hobby into an aquarium world then building a 150 gallon fish tanks is a great idea. You must first think about it carefully before undertaking a project of this size as this is perhaps one of the largest tanks that you can feasibly put in your home, and installing a 150 fish gallon tank in your house takes a lot of planning and a lot of patience.

: What Species Of Fish Will Be Living In A FishTanks Of This Size?

You must consider that once you have your 150 fish gallon tank in your home, what type of animal life do you want swimming around in there. Do you want a salt water reef or some freshwater fish greeting you during the day? Another possibility is having both land and water represented in the large tank, giving the illusion of the beach or a lakefront property. If you decide to have a salt water environment for your 150 fish gallon tank, there are a few species that make wonderful additions and are easy to look after.

The following species are just a few that would make a lovely addition to any 150 fish gallon tank.

: The Purple Tang ( known scientifically as Zebrasoma xanthurus )

These fish would look wonderful in any 150 fish gallon tank. The Purple Tang is very bold and as it is a herbivore it is well equipped to handle just about any plant matter that the reef could throw at it. This fish thrives in tanks of 100 gallons or more, so it should feel right at home in your 150 fish gallon tank. Make sure though that all your fish 'get on' with the others, please watch putting it in the fish tanks with other tangs - be they yellow, red, or purple - as these little guys can get quite territorial at times.

: Yellow Stripe Maroon Clownfish

The stunning Clownfish has yellow stripes on its forehead, middle section and tail. They are very easy to take care of and would look and feel right at home in your 150 fish gallon tank.

: Sea Anemone ( Entacmaea quadricolor )

If you decide to have a salt water 150 fish gallon tank then the sea anemone gets on really well with the clownfish and would survive quite easily in an aquarium of this size. For further advice it is always best to visit a specialist pet store.

: article by Sharon Price

A Large Salt water Fish Tanks Can Compliment Any Room

2008-01-11T23:04:00.000-08:00

If you are looking for an additional piece of stunning furniture for your home or office you can not go wrong with a large salt water fish tanks. With the beautiful colors, the soothing sounds of bubbling water and the relaxing pastime of keeping fish, a large salt water fish tanks installed in your office or home will prove to be a great investment. A large fish tanks is generally 30 gallons or more, and some custom-designed large fish tanks can hold hundreds of gallons depending on the size of your home.

When you have decided what type of large salt water fish tanks you want to purchase, you first need to ask yourself a few questions. The cost of keeping a large salt water fish tanks is usually more than a freshwater tank but a large fish tanks full of beautifully colored salt water fish is a popular choice for many home aquarium.

You then need to decide what you want your large salt water fish tanks made out of, whether it is glass or acrylic. Acrylic aquarium have become increasingly popular because they allow for custom designs to fit the home. Acrylic is more prone to scratching than glass, and is generally more expensive; however it does not alter the colors of the fish whereas glass, and its reflective properties, will distort when looked at from certain angles.

Once you have decided on what type of large salt water fish tanks you want and what types of fish, you need to decide what size tank you want. Large is considered in the 30-55+ gallon range will vary in price from roughly $100-$500 or more depending on the size and quality of the tank. Most companies offer package deals, which provide you with a large salt water fish tanks and all the necessary filtration devices. The size of your large salt water fish tanks will be a factor in deciding what size and how many fish you will be able to keep.

You will, of course, have to get into the habit of feeding the fish and cleaning the fish tanks, but the maintenance and up-keep for a large fish tanks is easy. You need to clean the fish tanks every 2-3 weeks, which means replacing roughly 20-25 percent of the water. You also will need to make sure the chemical levels in the tank are balanced using home kits and ensure your fish are fed at regular times.

With proper and easy maintenance, a large salt water fish tanks can be a great addition to a home or office, providing you a soothing escape and a hobby which you can enjoy for years to come.

: article by Sharon Price

Aquarium screen saver : Where Can You Find It?

2008-01-06T19:43:00.000-08:00

Can you imagine a real aquarium fish, swimming, flipping and tossing with other aquatic creatures in your screen? Do you want to have the most beautiful fish with bright and vivid colors whirling in your computer screen? Of course, you might think it is impossible but this is not impossible. You can have your favorite aquatic creature in your computer by saving a mind flowing aquarium screen saver in your computer.

Aquarium screen saver is a computerized reflection of real life fish tanks. It looks like real with aquarium weeds and other supplies. It contains fish as well. It provides the same viewing satisfaction only that you do not have to feed the fish to give you the pleasure you need.

An aquarium screen saver is a three dimensional aquarium screen saver. It is a type of screen saver that gives you moving images with a real effect. This type of software is developed using flash, 3D studiomax and Maya through transition pattern giving away real life images.

Three dimensional aquarium screen saver is a big example of the amazing product this software has made. It features images and sceneries like a real time aquarium. It also contains plenty of features like an option that will change the scheme or background in less than no time.

The three dimensional aquarium screen saver is very popular especially to those who love aquarium. It has several of options available to match every occasions and seasons. It is available everywhere.

You can get one from computer stores in your area. All you have to do is to download it in your computer and you can use it anytime. You do not have to worry about the prize because anyone can afford it.

If you do not want to exert more effort on buying an aquarium screen saver, you can use your computer to download one. Internet has plenty of sources like websites and search engines where you can get real time aquarium screen saver. The price is almost the same compared to buying it in stores near you.

Aquarium screen saver are even offered free. Yes, some websites offers free aquarium screen saver download free. You do not have to pay upon downloading. However, you need to be careful when you download free aquarium screen saver. Be aware of the frauds in the net. Many websites are advertising this type of opportunity but in reality, it can ruin your computer's functionality. So, choose the website you want to get the aquarium screen saver warily.

: article by Low Jeremy

Having The Right Salt Water Fish Tanks

2008-01-06T19:04:00.000-08:00

If you are planning to purchase an aquarium, you will want to make sure that your fish stay healthy, and the only way to ensure this is by cleaning the fish tanks regularly. Many small stores do not carry everything you need so you might want to visit a larger store, the larger stores have many more items in stock for you to purchase. The aquarium is the home the fish live in and must be maintained for the welfare of the fish.

Before even setting up your fish tanks decide what kind of fish you are going to keep, some people don't have much time on their hands and so low maintenance cold or easy to manage tropical fish are the best ways to go, for those with much more time and a higher level of commitment there are many varied species to chose from, including the easiest to care for fresh water fish to beautiful and fascinating marine fish.

Unfortunately rushing to the pet store and picking out the prettiest, most colorful and interesting looking tropical fish is not the best way to stock the fish tanks. Some people have synthetic decorations and rock for there fish tanks.

If you are thinking about purchasing a fish for your salt water fish tanks you need to plan it out first and make sure that the fish you purchase can live in the environment with the other fish. The first step to your fish tanks is setting it up and this is only the beginning. After the fish tank is setup you will need to make many adjustments, some of the adjustments are the water temperature, food and lighting, plus you must consider the items and decorations that you put into the fish tanks.

A fish tank that is a salt water tank needs to mimic the ocean, the salt water needs to be the same salinity and the environment needs to be very similar. Once you get your tank up and running with no problems you will able to enjoy the salt water tank and the fish.

Lighting is actually as important as filtration it mimics the day light and the night so fish think they are in their natural habitat. When choosing a salt water fish tank and filtration systems it can be a very confusing process since there are so many to choose from. One of the most important things to remember is that filtration is very important when taking care of your fish tanks. For freshwater fish you may be able to get by without having one. Many people think it is easy taking care of a freshwater fish, but in reality there is work involved. At time you will need to clean your freshwater tanks, they do require cleaning, so you will need to remove the fish and place them somewhere else for the time being.

When decorating the fish tanks the gravel will sit at the bottom, this make the fish tanks much more interesting and it gives a more real feel to it. Fish tanks gravel can be bought in either natural or colored designs.

There are many fish tanks of various sizes and shapes, when choosing the fish tanks for your home make sure the fish tanks size fits and it won't be in the way or accidentally knocked over.

: article by David Fishman

Freshwater Fish Tanks Vs Salt water Fish Tanks - Which Is Right For You?

2008-01-03T22:46:00.000-08:00

When one is considering setting up an aquarium, the question comes to mind whether you should set up a freshwater or salt water fish tanks. while a salt water aquarium will allow you to have it interesting variety of colorful fish, the novice aquarist might consider getting his feet wet with the freshwater fish tanks as this will allow you to gain experience before you delve into the very expensive world of salt water fish.

A freshwater fish tanks has an easier setup in the salt water tank and requires less in maintenance. it also is much less expensive in both fish and equipment. A salt water aquarium requires Marine fish which, although much more colorful than the freshwater fish, are very expensive. In a salt water aquarium, you'd most likely have live rock which can be very expensive but is a great biological filter and makes setup and maintenance of the salt water tank a little bit easier.

live rock is taken from coral reefs and has organisms such as worms, sponges, and algae still inside or on the rock. these organisms play an important part in the nitrogen cycle which helps keep the water from becoming toxic. In a way, they help re-create the natural environment of the sea. If you don't want to bother with live rock, then you should buy a protein skimmer which will help remove organic waste from a salt water aquarium thus helping to clean the water and provide a healthy environment for your fish.

Lighting for a salt water fish tanks can also be more expensive, especially if you have live rock and corals in the tank. The lighting is extremely important, especially if you have a reef tank and poor lighting can actually cause the organisms in your tank to die.

Once you have your salt water aquarium up and running it requires maintenance just like a freshwater aquarium, however the salt water aquarium is a little more delicate and has the added job of having to monitor the salt. The environment inside the salt water aquarium needs to be balanced perfectly in order for your fish, rocks and plants to survive. Also, the water quality needs to be top-notch but this is no different than a freshwater aquarium.

So, if you are new to the world of aquariums, you may want to balance your decision on whether to start off with a salt water fish tanks very carefully. A freshwater fish tanks can be just as much fun and there are many beautiful freshwater tropical fish that you can fill It with. Learning the ropes with a freshwater tank will allow you to avoid the heart ache of losing a $50 fish while you're learning how to maintain a tank. Then again, if you are up for the challenge and you want to have beautiful vibrant colorful fish and live corals and rocks you might want to jump right in with the salt water fish tanks - it's not really that much more difficult but does require that you keep a close eye on your query and conditions.

: article by Lee Dobbins

Salt Water Fish Tanks Setup For Beginners

2008-01-03T20:55:00.000-08:00

Salt water fish tanks have their own unique qualities and demands. But, for the reef aquarium lover, it's well worth the effort.

You'll get many hours of enjoyment without hassle if you get your salt water fish tanks setup correctly. If you miss a few steps, you're sure to have problems. They may not show up right way, but your fish will suffer in the long run. So please, be patient and follow all the steps in order.

: Before You Begin

Do your research before starting your salt water fish tanks setup. If you haven't yet purchased your system, you find many choices available. Don't hesitate to research and ask questions as you're making your choices. Each set requires different parts and equipment, but most specialized aquarium stores are more than happy to help you get started.

What basic equipment do you need? You'll need filters, pumps, heaters, lights, test kits, and sea salt mixtures, and substrate material (maybe something like coral). There's other optional equipment, but these are the basics.

Once you've chosen your system, you're ready to begin the setup. First you'll need to clean and level the tank. Then you can begin to arrange your background making sure to leave room for the necessary system pieces that must go into the tank.

: Starting the Salt water Fish Tanks Setup and Testing

Once your tank is set, level, and the background is installed, you're ready to test your new system. Follow directions for your specific salt water tank precisely. This may take some time, but it's worth it. Test your system before you put it into your tank. Once that's done, you can go on to the next step of your salt water fish tanks setup. If you have not already put in your salt water solution now is a good time to do this. Once your solution is in, turn your tank on, and let it run for around 24 hours. During this test run, you can make changes to the water, if necessary. Just make sure everything is working correctly with no leaks.

: Salt water Aquascaping

Turn off any equipment that may be running. Put aside equipment that may get in the way. You have to siphon out half the water in the tank and save it. After removing some water, arrange your rocks and decorations how you want them. Once you like your design, add the water back into your tank to the proper level.

Next, turn on the system and let it run. Let your tank cycle. After the cycling is complete - and never before - you can add your fish. Make sure to do routine tests and add water as needed.

: Second Tank

After you have your first salt water fish tanks setup, why you should look into another tank? Well, one thing that is important when adding a lot of different salt water fish is to have a quarantine tank to observe each fish before they are put in with others.

It's important to keep you new fish alone for a while to make sure they're not carrying any diseases. The last thing you want to do is put a new fish who's unhealthy in with your thriving fish. Once introduced to the tank, disease spread quickly. It's better to be safe than to lose all your salt water fish.

: article by Cris Stanford

Acrylic Fish Tanks : What You Should Ask Before Purchasing One

2008-01-03T20:15:00.000-08:00

Are you interested in purchasing an acrylic fish tanks? If so, you are defiantly not alone. Over the past few years, the popularity of acrylic fish tanks has, literally, skyrocketed in popularity. One of the many reasons for that popularity is strength. Acrylic aquariums are known as being stronger than traditional glass fish tanks. In addition to being stronger, acrylic fish tanks are clearer and lighter. These reasons are just a few of the many reasons why acrylic fish tanks come highly rated and recommended by fish keepers.

As previously mentioned, acrylic fish tanks have increased in popularity. Despite being light, strong, and clear, not all acrylic fish tanks are created equal. That is why it is important that you know exactly what you are about to purchase. Unfortunately, with acrylic fish tanks, knowing what you are about to purchase may require a little bit of research. However, there is an easier option. If you are doing business with a well informed and well established fish tank supplier or manufacturer, the individual or company who you are interested in doing business with should be able to answer all of your questions. Those questions, a few of which are outlined below, are important when choosing the perfect acrylic fish tanks for your home or office.

Perhaps, one of the most important questions to ask, if and when you are interested in purchasing an acrylic fish tanks, is the type of acrylic that is used. While it is important to note that most well-known, established, and reputable fish tank manufacturers will make their acrylic aquariums with top of the line acrylic materials, there are others who do not. If you are interested in doing business with a relatively unheard of fish tank manufacturer, it may be best to inquire about the type of acrylic used. Although many individuals believe that acrylic is acrylic, you don't want to find out the truth after you have already made your purchase. It has been noted that cast cell acrylic is the best type of acrylic to use on fish tanks.

If you are planning on purchasing an acrylic aquarium from a fish tank dealer, it is important that you inquire about the fish tank manufacturer used the by dealer. If you are interested in purchasing a fairly large sized acrylic fish tanks or a custom built fish tank, you will find that you are making a fairly large purchase. In fact, that large purchase can even be considered an investment. When making an investment, it is important that you know exactly what you are purchasing and who it was made by. Familiarizing yourself with this important piece of information may not only make choosing an acrylic fish tanks easier, but it will also help to prevent you from wasting your money on a poor quality product.

It is also important that you ask about a warranty and if one exists. As stated above, acrylic fish tanks come so highly rated and recommended because they are stronger than all other types of aquariums. That is why, if you are interested in purchasing an acrylic aquarium, that aquarium should come with a warranty. In fact, that warranty should even be a lifetime warranty. In addition, you should ask about the manufacturer's reputation for customer service and how long they have been in business. A quality, well produced acrylic fish tanks should last a lifetime and that is why you should be presented with a lifetime warranty from a long established manufacturer. If not, you are advised against making the purchase. Remember, there are only a few acrylic fish tanks manufacturers that offer lifetime warranties on their products and have a long-term quality reputation.

The above mentioned acrylic aquarium questions are just a few of the many that you should be prepared to ask. In fact, before contacting an acrylic fish tanks manufacturer or supplier for more information, you may want to think about developing a list of questions to ask. Brainstorming ahead of the time is the best way to ensure that you are fully prepared to purchase the acrylic aquarium of your dreams.

: article by Michael Singer

Using Fish Tank Accessory To Beautify Your Fish Tanks

2008-01-02T18:50:00.000-08:00

Did you know that you can make your fish tanks beautiful by using fish tank accessory? Regardless of the size of your fish tanks, there are fish tank accessory available for your kind of tank and your budget. If you have a large fish tanks, you can make it even more appealing by adding fish tank accessory to it. These fish tank accessory help enhance the beauty of your fish. You may be pleasantly surprised to know that fish tank accessory do not require a lot of money. In fact, there are fish tanks that already come with accessory already built in.

If your fish tanks holds 10 gallons of water or more, install fish tank accessory such as a water pump and an air filter. A water pump keep the water in the tank moving continuously and freely. In addition, with a water pump, you won't have to change the water too often. The air filter, on the other hand, will supply the water with oxygen.

Depending on where you live and how the temperature changes where you live, a heater and water thermometer are two more fish tank accessory that you may need to purchase. A heater is an essential fish tank accessory as it will help keep the temperature in the tank constant. Regulating the water temperature is important to keeping your fish alive; too high or too cool a temperature will kill your fish. A water thermometer will help you monitor the water temperature to ensure that your fish is safe.

You can further beautify your fish tanks by adding lights. Keep in mind, though, when you are shopping for fish tank accessory that these items come in standard sizes so you want to pick the ones that are appropriate for the size of your fish tanks. In case you have a very large fish tanks, you may have to check into having some fish tank accessory customized.

Installing fish tank accessory like a water pump, air filter, heater and water temperature does not imply that you should stop taking an active part in taking care of your fish. You still need to keep a close watch over your fish and make sure that the fish tanks is regularly cleaned and maintained. This is the only way you can be sure that your fish stay healthy and alive.

: article by George Chao

Plants For Your Fish Tanks

2008-01-02T03:34:00.000-08:00

Fish tank plants can help enhance the look of your fish tanks but did you know that they also provide your fish with a great place to spawn and hide? Not only are fish tank plants decorative, they actually help to keep your aquarium water healthy for the fish by reducing the carbon dioxide level.

The key to growing fish tank plants in your fish tanks is the lighting. Most fish tank plants require high levels of light and if you have tried to put fish tank plants in your tank only to have them wither and die after a few weeks, this is most likely the reason. It's a simple matter of getting a brighter bulb for the tank and you can have lush green fish tank plants that give your aquarium a natural look.

Planting natural aquarium fish tank plants is quite easy. Most fish tank plants you buy will have a root system which needs to be planted into the substrate. To do this, grasp the root end of the plant between your thumb and first finger while making a little hole in the substrate with your free fingers. Gently push the roots down into the hole and hold in place while swooshing back some of the substrate to cover the root ball. Rootless fish tank plants can be planted much the same way, instead of pushing the roots into the gravel push the bottom of the stems in.

There's many different kinds of fish tank plants available at your local pet store or even for sale here on the internet. Here's a list of some of the most popular aquarium fish tank plants.

: Amazon Sword

The Amazon Sword (Echinodorus amazonicus (bleheri)) has long narrow flowing leaves that sway in the current. This plant can grow up to 50 cm tall. It requires good lighting and fertilization so is a bit harder to keep than most fish tank plants. If given the right environment, however it can be a fast grower, sending out shoots to reproduce. It prefers aquarium temps of around 30 degrees c. with a PH of 5.5 - 9.

: Anubias Angustifolia

Although the name is a mouthful, this plant is really quite pretty with long narrow leaves. This is a great plant to keep in your aquarium if you have a lot of herbivorous fish as they will not eat it. It does not need a lot of light so is rather easy to grow in most any aquarium. This plant is a slow grower but will reach up to 15 cm. It likes temperatures of betweeen 20 and 30 c and a PH of 5.5 - 8.

: Moneywort

Moneywort (Bacopa monnieri) is another plant that is easy to grow in most fish tanks. It has a long stem with small leaves in pairs all along the length. This plant is a pretty good investment as you can propagate it by taking cuttings and then planting those right in the aquarium. It does like a lot of light and a PH of 6-9 in a tank that is between 15 and 30 degrees c. Given the right conditions, this plant to grow up to 30 centimeters.

: Wisteria

Wisteria (Hygrophila difformis) doesn't look anything like the vine that grows in your yard, but it is a wonderful aquarium plant with large oaky leaves. This plant also helps to prevent the growth of algae in the tank by absorbing nutrients from the water. It does need a lot of light but is a fast grower and can grow up to 50 cm. Plant Wisteria in a tank that has a PH between 5 and 9 with temps between 22 and 30 c.

: Java Moss

This fish tank plants is different from the rest as it has a more mossy appearance and actually almost resembles coral in the way that it grows. It attaches itself to rocks or wood in the tank and it's mossy tendrils extend upward to a height of 5cm. Requiring minimal light, this is one of the easiest fish tank plants to grow. It will tolerate most water conditions but prefers temps of 15 to 28 c. This plant may be a slow starter but is very hardy.

So now you know, fish tank plants add ambiance, help keep your tank clean, provide shelter for your fish and are not hard to grow provided you give them enough light and good water conditions.

: article by Lee Dobbins

In the Spotlight - Lighting for Your Fish Tanks

2008-01-01T20:46:00.000-08:00

Shopping for lights for your aquarium can be one of the fun parts of getting everything set up just so. The fish don't need lights, unless they're kept in a room that's dark all the time, but you want to be able to see them, and show them off to your friends, don't you? Finding the right light can really unify your tank, make your plants and tank furniture look their best, and of course, show off the true beauty of your fish. For simplicity, we'll just talk about fish-only tanks here - planted tanks have their own lighting necessities.

Lights for aquariums, like for every other purpose, come in two main varieties (with a couple of rarer and more expensive variants).

Incandescent lights work like your standard light bulb. It costs less to buy them up front, but it takes more electricity to run them over time, and you'll also have to replace them more often. In addition, they heat up your tank, which may require adjustments to your pH balance and will definitely promote the growth of algae. So, as you've probably guessed, I don't use incandescent lights for my aquarium.

What I use, and recommend to you, is fluorescent lights. The bulbs and fixtures cost a little more than incandescents, but they are a lot cooler so they don't warm up your tank as much, and they make much better use of electricity, so they don't add to your electric bill as much. Fluorescent bulbs also don't need to be replaced as often; maybe once every year to a year and a half, when the light starts to get dim.

Here's a useful tip I got from my brother: spend a little more for a decent fixture that uses "electronic ballast" - it is inexpensive non-electronic ballast that causes the annoying "fish tank buzz" that most cheap fluorescent fixtures develop over time! It's worth the money if all you want to hear is the gentle bubbling of your pumps and filters.

Now for the fun part - fluorescent bulbs come in a wide variety of colors. Plain old white can be pretty harsh, and can make your tank look "washed out", so personally I tend to favor tinted bulbs. It may take some experimenting to find which colors show off your favorite fish to best effect, but in general warm colors like yellow or pink will make the tank look more vivid than cool colors like blue, green, or violet.

Don't forget to buy a timer to turn the lights off automatically at night. You should also be turning the lights off manually whenever you're not enjoying the tank - the more often the lights are on, the more they will promote the growth of algae in your tank.

: article by Iszuddin Ismail

Tips For Choosing A Fish Tanks

2007-12-31T02:52:00.000-08:00

Picking the right tropical fish tanks will make the care of your fish tanks easier and much more fun for both you and the fish, so you will want to choose an aquarium that not only looks sharp, but is also functional and appropriate for your needs. Ultimately the decision is yours to make - below are a few thoughts that should help to insure you pick an aquarium that is perfect for you!

: Shape

The most prevalent shapes for fish tanks are hexagon and rectangular, but you can also buy rounded bubble tanks, coffee table tanks and even thin fish tanks that fit right in your wall! When deciding on the size of your fish tanks, you need to consider the location where you will setup the tropical fish tanks to be certain the fish tanks will fit and won't stick out into any traffic areas.

Rectangular fish tanks are best for your water quality and fish health. Because rectangular fish tanks are long, the surface area (the area that meets the air) is bigger in ratio than aquarium fish tanks of other shapes and sizes and allows for best exchange of gases and, hence a healthier aquarium fish tanks. A hexagon shaped fish tanks, looks neat, but there is not as much surface area. You can still have a successful hexagon shaped fish tanks, but you will most likely need to spend more time maintaining the water and won't be able to house as many tropical fish as you can when using a rectangular fish tanks which holds as much water.

: Location

If just are going to have 1 fish as a conversation piece on a small shelf or bathroom vanity a cool decorative tropical aquarium could be just the thing. When picking a location for the fish tanks be sure that you take the weight of the fish tanks into consideration (a filled aquarium can weigh 12 pounds per gallon so a filled 20 gallon Aquarium Setup can weigh over 200 pounds) and locate it a spot that can support the weight including the right stand. When buying your aquarium fish tanks, it is necessary to think about its placement in your house. If you are looking to add appeal to an empty corner, a hexagon shaped aquarium fish tanks might be wonderful, but a long rectangular aquarium setup could make an interesting statement along a wall.

: Size

If you are just a beginner you should consider a 20 to 30 gallon aquarium setup. A small 5 gallon aquarium fish tanks is fine if you do not have a lot of space but you will have to be sure you don't overload the aquarium with fish or the quality of your water will suffer which can make your fish unhealthy. Don't be tempted by those little fish tanks or bowls that have 1 or 2 fish with no filtration, Believe me, the fish will not live for a long time in that fish tanks and you will spend a lot of time monitoring the water quality and performing water changes. The rule of thumb for size when buying an aquarium is that the bigger the aquarium fish tanks, the less maintenance you'll need to carry out and the more fish you can house.

Typically you can house 1 inch of fish for every gallon of water in the fish tanks - along with adequate aeration and filtration, that is. If you buy a 20 gallon aquarium setup, you can have 20 inches of tropical fish, or about 15 fish with the tinier 5 gallon aquariums you will only be able to keep 2 or 3 fish.

Picking the right fish tanks is a question of personal preference, you need to weigh the options and pick what fits your needs. Doing your homework before you go to the store will help to save you both time and money in the long run.

: article by Lee Dobbins

Choosing The Right Size Fish Tanks

2007-12-30T21:24:00.000-08:00

Have you recently decided that you would like to take up fish keeping as a hobby? If so, have you already developed of collection of fish to display in your home or in your office? Regardless of which type of fish you would like to purchase, you will need to buy an aquarium, if you haven't already done so. Unfortunately, when it comes to purchasing a fish tanks, there are many individuals who make a costly mistake. That mistake is purchasing a fish tanks that it is too small. In addition to wasting money, by purchasing a fish tanks that isn't want you need, you may also be endangering the lives of your fish. That is why it is extremely important that you choose the right fish tanks for your fish and their needs.

When it comes to choosing the right size fish tanks, you may find it a little bit difficult to do your own research. Despite being difficult, it is possible to do. For example, you can examine the type of fish that you would like to purchase, namely their overall size and their swimming habits. If you purchase a type of fish that is expected to grow in size or one that likes to swim all over the tank, you are advised to purchase a large fish tanks. A large fish tanks, such as a large acrylic aquarium, will give your fish the room that they need to swim, socialize, and grow. If you are unsure as to what size aquarium you should purchase, it may be best to seek professional assistance.

When it comes to obtaining professional assistance, when choosing the right size fish tanks, you have a number of different options. One of those options involves speaking to the individual who you are purchasing your fish from. Most fish store employees are educated on the fish that they have available for sale, as well as their needs. It is also possible for you to acquire the same type of information by speaking to a fish tanks supplier or a fish tanks manufacturer. This is because there are some manufacturers who develop fish tanks specifically for a certain type of fish. That is why most fish tanks manufacturers, as well as their suppliers, are more than familiar with most fish and the tank sizes that they need.

Although it is advised that you keep your fish in mind, when choosing which size fish tanks you need to purchase, you may also want to think big. If you are unable to find the answers to your questions, as to what size aquarium you need to purchase, you may have better luck going with a large, oversized aquarium. When many fish keepers think of oversized a 1000 gallon fish tanks comes to mind. In reality, a 1000 gallon fish tanks is huge. In fact, these 1000 gallon fish tanks, which are often referred to as ultaquariums, are sometimes only sold as custom built aquariums.

For those are just starting to experiment with the fish keeping hobby, 50 to 100 gallon fish tanks are often considered the most sought after or most purchased sized aquariums. This is because smaller fish tanks are more affordable than larger fish tanks, such as a 150 gallon fish tanks or a 300 gallon fish tanks. However, as previously mentioned, you are advised to keep your fish in mind. If you have your heart set on purchasing large tropical fish, a 50 to 100 gallon fish tanks may not be enough room. What is nice about aquariums is that they come in a number of different sizes, shapes, and styles. There are so many different sizes, including 50 gallon fish tanks, 90 gallon fish tanks, 100 gallon fish tanks, and 300 gallon fish tanks, that you are sure to find exactly what you need.

To ensure that your fish are living as comfortably as they possibly can, you need to make sure that you are about to purchase or did purchase the correct size aquarium. The wrong size aquarium, especially if it is too small, can have dangerous and deadly consequences for your new pets.

: article by Mark Fazoli